Creepy Cinema 2012

If you know me, you know that I cannot handle anything that is remotely scary or suspenseful. The minute a movie or TV show gets too intense, I either get up and walk away or I cover my eyes with my hands and peek through them.

I remember when I was younger I couldn't even watch episodes of "Are You Afraid of the Dark" without screaming or turning away. I attribute my fear of all things spooky to my two older brothers. They are much older than me and were always trying to scare their little sister. I can't tell you how many times they tricked me. My little heart couldn't handle it, so I was always afraid of things that go bump in the night.

Due to my complete lack of tolerance for scary things, I have missed out on many years of scary movie watching that is mandatory as an adolescent. No one in my family really likes scary movies, so I was never really exposed to them. However, Markus is an avid fan of all things horror. When we first started dating, he was completely appalled by this fact. For years, he's tried to get me to watch scary movies with him and every time he asked, I refused. The only way I would watch the movie is if he would tell me what would happen beforehand so I could cover my eyes. Silly? Yes, I know, but hey at least I tried. As time has gone by, I just refuse to watch a scary movie. I can't do it. I get all panicky and my heart beats really quickly. This year, I'm determined to break the curse. 

I'm going to spend all of October, all 31 days, watching some form of scary movie. I feel like after 9 years of watching scary movies alone, it's the least I could do for Markus. He's compiled a list of 31 movies that span the course of horror film history, and will introduce me to the world of Creepy Cinema. There are lots of moves that I haven't seen, some that I haven't seen in ages and a few that I really love. You know, some family friendly movies; I need to have some levity in the midst of all the suspense.  When making the list Markus tried to stray away from the blood and gore (i.e. Saw, Hostel, etc). There is no way I could last through 31 days of that. I think I would go crazy.

I must admit, I'm a bit worried for the next 31 days. I don't think I'll be able to handle it, but I'm determined to do this. I know I can do this. I have to do this, for Markus. Oh, the things we do for love. 

So how about you, dear readers, are you going to spend this October watching horror flicks?  Do you like scary movies? What are your favorites?

*Credits*
Skeleton, tree & paper clip art: The Graphics Fairy

Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Hotties of Creepy Cinema

lovecrumbs │ Edinburgh, Scotland

The afternoon we decided to throw the itinerary out the window we came across lovecrumbs, an amazing cake shop. It was the epitome of my dream place to write and brainstorm. Inside there was a hodgepodge of chairs and tables. Nothing really matched, yet everything seemed to go together. It was very rustic and homey. We spent at least two hours there talking and enjoying the company of good friends. 

Markus ordered a peach and blue cheese scone with a cappuccino. I ordered a slice of Vicky Sponge cake and an Elderflower presse. Everything was so delicious. The scone was a bit of a revelation for me. I love scones. I've only had sweet scones, so a scone that mixed savory and sweet was even better. I've never eaten Vicky Sponge cake and  so this was my introduction to this quintessential British treat. The tartness of the raspberry jam, sweetness of the cream and fluffiness of the sponge cake was amazing.

In Korea, we have lots of cafes and sweet shops, but everything always feels a bit cutesy. Lovecrumbs was cute, but in a different way. It was eccentric and whimsical and absolute perfection.  

Taal Volcano & Lake Taal │ Tagaytay, Philippines

Earlier this year, Markus and I went to the Philippines (P.I.). I've never been to my home country before and was really excited for the trip. My first experience in the Philippines was definitely interesting. Not sure how to completely describe it, but it was a trip that I will always remember, the good and the bad.  We spent most of our time in Tagaytay, where my mommyo and daddyo retired. 

Tagaytay is supposed to be "the place" in the Philippines to escape the heat. It's higher up in the mountains, thus creating a cooler temperature. Mommyo would not stop talking about how nice and cool it is there. Not sure what everyone was talking about, because it felt just like the rest of the country, hot as heck. 

Tagaytay is also known for Lake Taal and Taal Volcano, which is still an active volcano. There haven't been any eruptions since 1977, but it is definitely not dormant. It was very exciting taking a boat across Lake Taal to the bottom of the volcano. Although, the method of getting to the top was not ideal. 

Basically, there is a community of squatters that have lived at the bottom of the volcano for ages. The Philippine government wanted to relocate them somewhere else and build a resort, but decided that it would be best for the squatters to stay and become a sort of tour guide for Taal. They basically lead you to the top while you ride an extremely emaciated horse-pony. The guides then spend the next 45 minutes selling you a story and trying to get as much money out of you as possible.

I'm all for people working and living off the land, but when the two guides that were with Markus and I were discussing in Tagolog how to get more money out of us, it really put me in a bad mood. They didn't know that Markus speaks and understands Tagalog. So they basically concocted a fake wedding and children to try and swindle us out of money. It didn't help that Markus is culturally ambiguous and I look Korean. My own countrymen were constantly speaking to me in Korean and trying to get more money out of me. 

Despite the uncomfortable time spent with the guides, I enjoyed our time at Taal. There is nothing like standing at the top of a volcano. I doubt I'll ever experience anything like it again. I felt like a true explorer, conquering an active volcano with my emaciated horse-pony!

Reunited with my parents after 1 year

Another volcano on Lake Taal

Taal Volcano

Lake Taal

Wandering Wednesdays │ London, England 2006

Every Wednesday, I'll be posting about places that I've traveled to in the past. It could be as far back as ten years or as recent as last year. I've dubbed these posts as "Wandering Wednesdays". You can find all my past trips on the Wanderings page. I hope you enjoy!

Our second honeymoon to London in 2006 was the trip that started it all. When Markus and I married in 2005, we promised ourselves that we would travel somewhere every year. If possible, we would travel out of the country. It wasn't always possible, but we at least went somewhere the other had not.

When we had our second wedding in 2006 (another story for another time), Markus and I decided that would be the year that we would start our adventures. I spent 21 years of my life dreaming of other countries and magical places. It finally took a second wedding and honeymoon to make my dreams a reality. 

It took a long time for Markus and I to decided where we would go. At first, we didn't know where to go and thought of all the places we wanted to visit. We finally decided on London because that was my dream since I was a child.

I have to admit that this first trip to London was a failure in many ways. This was our first trip abroad and we learned many things about traveling. The first being, don't travel after your wedding with only 5 hours of sleep and then a 6 hour layover in Dulles airport, which happens to be the worst airport in America. We also learned that we should spend more than 7 days overseas. You need at least two weeks to really get the feel of a place. 

We were horrible at planning and time management. It was basically a mess, but it was a wonderful mess. Even though, we didn't get the most out of our trip, it was still one of our favorites. Those 6 days were some of the best of our married life. I always look back on them fondly, despite all the flaws. After London, we learned from our experiences and became better travelers,  but more importantly, we never stopped!

Wedding Anniversary Photo Shoot

This past August, Markus and I have been married for seven wonderful and glorious years. We've been fortunate to have done a few photo shoots before, but we've never actually had one in Korea. We were able to book a shoot with Aaron and Jill. They're a newly married couple that will be moving back home to the states soon. They're hoping to start a photography business and needed a few guinea pigs. Markus and I were quick to oblige. I think the photos came out quite well and I'm so thankful to Aaron and Jill for helping us commemorate such a special occasion. 

Edinburgh, Scotland │1 of 3

Edinburgh Castle

As I said before, Edinburgh is now my favorite city in the UK. It's a beautiful city. There was so much to see and do. As we walked around one afternoon, we threw out the itinerary and did whatever we fancied. We planned to do a lot of things, but ended up just enjoying what the city had to offer. We spent about an hour sitting in a little park that was below Edinburgh Castle. We saw lots of little rabbits running around near a teensy forest area. We even managed to take a few photos that looked good enough for a brochure. It was overall a wonderful afternoon.

 

Edinburgh 2 of 3, Edinburgh 3 of 3

Haggis and offal at the dogs

No trip to Scotland would be complete without trying haggis. I've heard many stories about how disgusting and awful it is, but Markus and I always try foods that are native to their country. You understand a country and it's people better when you live and eat like they do.  It's part of the whole experience.

Our dear friend, Ari, was great at finding really posh restaurants for a reasonable price. We ate and drank at some amazing places all throughout our trip. The first place that we ate at in Edinburgh was at the dogs. On their website they're described as, "a place for everyone who wishes to partake of great value food and wine, in a chilled environment with no frills or fuss, great kids to help, and a pretty eclectic soundtrack." I think this is a perfect description for the dogs. 

After in being in Asia for a year, we almost forgot what Western life is like. Eating at the dogs was a great way to reacquaint ourselves. The menu isn't very extensive and they focus on Scottish and British staples. We decided to order food with offal ingredients. In the UK, they tend to eat more meals with offal in them than we do in America. I know many of my friends and family can't stand blood sausage or liver, but my parents were very adamant about making sure that I had a broad pallet. As I've gotten older I try not to be discriminatory with my food, and try everything at least once. Although, I believe there are exceptions to the rule.  Durian, anyone? 

So with my mind set on adventurous eating, I quickly ordered a plate of haggis, neeps and tatties, which happen to be turnips and mashed potatoes. Markus decided to try deviled ox liver, onions, bacon and mushrooms on toast. Our friend James chose the British staple black pudding hash, but with a twist, the addition of a fried duck egg. 

Once our food arrived to our table, I knew that this was going to be a meal that I would never forget. My first bite of haggis was really delicious. There wasn't a hint of any unpleasant flavors. You would think that there would be a hint of metallic taste from the heart, liver, stomach or lungs, but there wasn't. The chef at the dogs created a savory and tasty haggis that I wish I knew how to recreate in Korea. The black pudding was delicious and the fried duck egg balanced out the flavors created in the hash. The biggest surprise was the deviled ox liver. I didn't expect to like it. When I first tried it, the flavors were overwhelming. It was cooked in a very spicy sauce, but it melded well with the tinny flavor of the liver. The toast really helped soothe the mouth from the hot spices. 

Overall my first experience with British offal was amazing and one that I will not forget. Markus and I spent the rest of our two weeks reminiscing on our first Scottish meal. We kept wishing that we could eat that same meal again and again. When the days turn cold here in Korea, I'll hold close the memory of haggis to keep me warm and comforted. 

 *Credits*
the dogs logo: the dogs

It's never too late

Lake District, England: August 2012

After living in South Korea for one year, there is one thing that I learned that rang true throughout the year and continues to be true. "It's never too late."

Before we moved to Korea, Markus and I were settled. We had our lives in order. We followed all the rules. We both graduated from college. We dated for X amount of years and then married. We owned a home. We had job security, we could've stayed at these jobs for a long time. All that was left was kids. If we did what we were supposed to do, then why were Markus and I always feeling like something was missing?

I think that we have this predisposed idea of what "normal" is. We are told from a young age that if you do A,B,C and D, you'll be happy. If you don't do these things, then maybe you won't be so happy. As I've gotten older, I've started to really think about what "normal" is. Is "normal" what everyone is telling me it is, or is it something else? Either way, I don't think that everyone is meant to follow the same course in their lives. There is no road map for a perfect and happy life. We are all meant for something specific. We were all created for a specific purpose and reason, and it is up to us to find out what that is

When Markus and I were still living in South Florida, we found ourselves in a bit of a bubble. We worked with our closest friends. We went to the same events, ate at the same restaurants and did the same thing every weekend. Nothing really changed, we were in this endless cycle. Markus and I spent six years doing this and only taking two weeks every year to go on adventures. We found ourselves persevering through the other 50 weeks of the year in anticipation for those two weeks. The only two weeks out of the year where we really felt alive. 

I don't know why we didn't think of moving to South Korea sooner, but I am a firm believer in "things are meant to happen when they happen". I know it sounds cliche, but in my case, this is how everything in my life has worked out.

I write all this to say, "it's never too late." I thought that my life was set, and that my chance to live abroad had passed because I was settled. I thought that if I did something crazy like move to another country at this stage of my life, my friends and family would think there was something wrong with me. I remember thinking one night, "I will never be happy unless I do this. I'll always regret not trying." However, the lure of being safe and never taking chances was just as strong.

We all tend to do what's safe, what we know, because venturing outside the norm is scary. Failure is always present in our minds. No one wants to fail. The worst feeling is making huge sacrifices to do something, and then failing at it in the end. On the other hand, when you succeed the feeling is indescribable!


This past year in South Korea has been a massive success. I have learned so much about myself, about Markus and our marriage. This experience was what was missing in my life. I've never felt more alive and free. To be honest, I still don't know what my purpose in life is, but I'm having an amazing time trying to find it.

Calton Hill │ Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh has many amazing sights, but my absolute favorite place was Calton Hill. When I first read about Calton Hill, I thought it would be far away from the city and a lengthy hike. I was completely wrong. It's only a 15 minute walk from the city. The views are absolutely breathtaking. On one side is the city and on the other is Arthur's Seat. We weren't able to hike up Arthur's Seat and it was our biggest regret. The chance to say we visited Camelot passed us by, but there's always next time!

There are some really wonderful monuments and lots of places to relax on Calton Hill. If we had more time, I'm sure we would've packed a lunch and spent hours lazing about. That's one thing that Florida lacks. The weather is always so hot and humid that it's hard to go out and have a picnic. It's possible, but if you want to be comfortable you can only do it for a short time. In Edinburgh, the weather was perfect. I hear such horrible things about the weather, but while we were there it only rained one night and every other day it was beautiful. It was cool and sunny and perfect for exploring. 

UK Tour 2012

Map image: mellowmint

Recently, Markus and I came back from a whirlwind trip through England and Scotland. It was a dream come true and I was finally able to experience Britain like a native. 

The first stop on our itinerary was Edinburgh in Scotland. I was completely blown away. When Markus and I went to London for our second honeymoon in 2006, I never thought I would love a city more. I was completely wrong. I've fallen in love with almost every city we've visited, but Edinburgh quickly became my favorite city in the UK. 

Edinburgh was not only beautiful but there was so much to do. We were only there for three days, so we didn't get to explore as much as I wanted, but it was enough to leave me wanting more. Markus and I are already planning to go back one day and spend our entire time in Scotland. 

After Scotland, we spent the rest of the trip traipsing about various cities in England. It was exciting to see other cities in England. Our friends, Ari and James, were very adamant about showing us the "real" England. They said that many people rarely venture away from Southern England much less London. They think that London is England, but there is so much more. It's like saying New York City is America, when we all know that every state is unique.

We went to Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent, Oxford, Lake District, Peak District and of course, London. After seeing other cities in England and then going back to London, I have to admit that I was a bit underwhelmed. London was the first international city I visited and I think I had a romantic view of that experience. Don't get me wrong, I still love it. It's an amazing place and if I could afford it, I would love to live there. Although, it's no longer my first choice. 

This trip to the UK was an eye opener. It showed me that even though you think you know a place, it can still surprise you. This is why I love about traveling. Cities are always changing and evolving. You can visit a place one year and then when you visit again, it's completely different. I love being surprised. You always think you know what you love, but there are other places and things that you didn't even know existed and you never knew a piece of you was missing until you go there.

Time to move on: moving from Tumblr to Blogger

Thanks for the memories Tumblr, 2010-2012

For the past two years, I've been actively blogging on Tumblr. While it's been quite good to me, I've begun to feel the limitations. I think that Tumblr is a great blogging website, but for a specific audience. I do feel that it can be limited in terms of blog design. I'm not keen on feeling like there are restraints on the look of my blog. I want to be able to spread out a bit more. 

I want to be able to write long blog posts and not be overlooked. I know that a lot of my followers read my longer posts, but I feel that the Tumblr crowd tends to lean more toward the visual. I am neither a photographer nor an illustrator, so I always felt a little lost in the mix.

I enjoy posting about all sorts of things. I like to write posts that are closer to articles. I love that Blogger is customizable and I can make it look exactly how I want and not have limitations. I'm free to do anything I want. I enjoy the freedom that Blogger provides. The possibilities are literally endless. So, I felt like it was time to move on to a platform that suited all my blogging needs. 

Now that I've switched over to Blogger, I'm excited to explore all the possibilities that I didn't have before. I've already spent heaps of time watching tutorials, re-learning Photoshop and HTML and creating this new version of Ganda-Ganda. Feel free to look around and see all the changes that I've made.  Also, I hope you join me on this new blogging adventure!

Thank you dear readers for sticking with me so far. I don't feel like I could do this if it weren't for you and I appreciate you so much. xoxo